Recap: [Hybrid] India, January 25, Kochi MEGA MEETUP 2026 : Celebrating 10 years of Connect 🎉✨

[Rahul001]

Hy Local Guides,

I am thrilled to share the highlights from our recently concluded Kochi Mega Meetup 2026, held on January 25th. This Mega Meetup was particularly special as we didn’t just celebrate 10 Years of Local Guides Connect & 11 years of Local Guides - we did it with a strong commitment to sustainability and inclusivity.

We had an amazing turnout with Local Guides attending in person. While we were hosted in Kochi, we were honored to have local guides travel from all corners of India, representing Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai and Sikkim.

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We didn’t let distance stop the celebration! We hosted a virtual meeting alongside our physical meetup to share our celebrating mood with local guides who join us virtually. It was wonderful to see familiar faces on the big screen and bridge the gap between the physical & virtually.

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Sustainable & Supporting Local Businesses

We make sure this mega meetup has a sustainable purpose & has a valuable contribution on Google Maps. We shared handmade sustainable soy wax candles to the attendees of the mega meetup. These beautiful candles were sourced from Gifty’s Art & Craft Store, a local women-owned business. It felt great to support a local entrepreneur while choosing an eco-friendly gift.

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We shared a delicious & sustainable meal served traditionally on banana leaves, reducing waste and honoring local culture.

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Memorable Moments

@TravellerG shared his moments of experience with the amazing community.

@SonamW took the mic while we shared our celebrative mood with the virtual attendees.

@Manishhh sharing his ideas on how to upload quality contributions on Google Maps.

Local Guides visiting Bastion Bungalow Museum & Kochi Biennale in the evening.

Community at Mega Meetup

A total of local guides attended the Kochi Mega Meetup 2026 with new local guides & a total of women local guides . Out of 8 women local guides, the community welcomed new women local guides.

Team behind the Kochi Mega Meetup 2026 thanks to all those who attended the Mega Meetup & made it memorable and enjoyable for all.

Thanks to @TravellerG, @Manishhh, @SonamW, @Gurukrishnapriya, @EshaHarish & @SudhanshuTuti for being a part of Kochi Mega Meetup 2026.

We thank Varghese Jose for providing us with a beautiful venue.

I thank @SarathUpendran & @Chackochhan for planning & initiating the Kochi Mega Meetup.

Local Guides who attended physically - @abhirammanoj, @abhishekpp, @Akhilat, @Akshayrajnk, @Annn.A1, @Anupamsn, @almithra, @Chackochhan, @EshaHarish, @Gurukrishnapriya @Hodophile97, @Manishhh, @manu_m, @Nandanamanoj, @Niranjan07, @SarathUpendran, @sijinvarghese, @SonamW, @SudhanshuTuti, @TravellerG & @Vaidyanathanh

From exchanging mapping tips to enjoying our sustainable lunch, the spirit of community was high. A massive thank you to everyone who traveled long distances and to those who logged in virtually to make this event a success.

Here’s quick view of memorable moments during Kochi Mega Meetup 2026 .

Here is to the 10 years of Local Guides Connect & 11 years of Local Guides - sustainable, inclusive and connected.

[ShreyaMusings]

Wowww that’s a nicely written recap and pictures are fabulous representation @Rahul001 kudos buddy

[shaileno]

Congrats @Rahul001 another successful meet-up

[Rahul001]

Thank you @ShreyaMusings for your valuable comment . Delhi local guides was so energetic at Kochi Mega Meetup & we missed you a lot.

[Rahul001]

Thank you @shaileno for your valuable comment .

[AnshukMitra]

Loved your recap @Rahul001

[Manishhh]

What an unforgettable meetup! Those 4 days with you people were one of the best days of my life.
From amazing hosts to even better friends! We covered so much ground and explored so many spots together—Kochi wouldn’t have been the same without you. Miss you guys already

Thank you guys for everything @Rahul001 @SarathUpendran @Gurukrishnapriya @TravellerG @SonamW @EshaHarish @SudhanshuTuti

[Ssiddharth2000]

Wow what a wonderful event it was. Loved the photos and narration. Excellent Meet-up in Kochi @Rahul001 Congratulations to the host and co-hosts.

[TravellerG]

Very nicely written RECAP, dear @Rahul001
Highly appreciate your and @SarathUpendran’s hard work and dedication - Day and Night…
Congratulations!
God bless you!

Of course, special regards to @SonamW @Gurukrishnapriya @Manishhh @EshaHarish @SudhanshuTuti for travelling all the way to join our Kochi Mega Meet-up… Thank you very much.

Overall it was a great experience.
Thanks to all the Physical Attendees and Virtual Attendees…

Most sincerely with gratitude

[AbhijeetUniyal]

Nice pictures captured @Rahul001 . Seems that it was a wonderful and informative meetup held at Kochi

[EshaHarish]

Beautifully organized and well captured @Rahul001
Grateful to be part of the Kochi Mega Meetup 2026, true celebration of sustainability, inclusivity, and community. Kudos to the entire team for making it memorable.

[Kumaarsantosh]

Congratulations, @Rahul001, @SarathUpendran, and everyone involved, on organizing and successfully conducting a wonderful meet-up.

[ShreyaMusings]

I missed meeting you all too @Rahul001 but we shall plan to meet you all again someday soon

[Noorx1302]

Well written @Rahul001 , loved reading the recap

[NareshDarji]

Nice recap! @Rahul001 Big congratulations to the team behind the Kochi Meet-up and to everyone who took part.

[doni_hariadi]

meet up yang sangat meriah @Rahul001

semua terlihat senang dan bahagia.

sekali lagi selamat untuk meet up nya.

[BaludraKrishna]

Thats great 🅴:a_button_blood_type:🆄🆃🅸🅵🆄🅻

[Gurukrishnapriya]

First of all a very big thanks to you @Rahul001 for being instrumental in bringing out this Mega meetup. I am very happy to note that youngsters like you taking a step forward in our Local Guides Community. I clearly understand and see in person, how much efforts you and your cohost @SarathUpendran and the core team under the guidance and mentorship of @TravellerG Sir.

I am preveleged to join and be a part of this incredible Community Meetup. I would have missed a lot if not attended this meetup. I could experience the energy shown by the core team members and a special mention to @Chackochhan , @EshaHarish,@SonamW and @Manishhh . Keep contributing.

[nish_25]

It looks like a beautiful meet up

LGs rocks.

[AjitThite]

Oh, I totally missed it, as I had to attend to the guests at my home that time.
But it seems all enjoyed it a lot, and seeing a healthy attendance made this meet-up special.

Congratulations to , @Rahul001 @SarathUpendran, and @Chackochhan for organizing it and to @TravellerG, sir, for continuous guidance and support.

Cheers!